Musings, rants, and raves on writing, balancing work and family, and life after the MFA

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

This and That and Words in the Woods

1. E report: After her test last Wednesday, E stayed overnight at the hospital just as a precaution. She didn't sleep very well that night thanks to a colicky baby in the room next door. Thursday, she was so tired after she came home, she ate lunch, crawled into bed, giggled and slept until dinner time. A week later she's doing great, and relieved she won't need surgery any time soon.

2. Crit group report: J, A and I met today. The kids are out of school now; so between J's kids and mine (including E's service dog Jewel), the house was a bit crazed at times. Re my creative, I heard enough to know I'm still on the right track with my new revised opening scene. Assignment upon leaving: cut the scene down to one page by next Wednesday, setting the stage for the adventure to come. Sharpening my pencil.

3. Thinking about: the presentation for the ILA meeting in September, and that fact that J and I need to make decisions soon about what to say and how to say it re the teen writers group we host monthly at the Orland Public Library.

4. Getting excited about: the Words in the Woods retreat. Opted out of a critique from one of the guest speakers in order to take advantage of open mic in which a designated person will read first pages while the honored guests (editors/agents) will be in attendance. Haven't yet decided what "first page" to submit. I'd be lying if I said I felt no pressure about what to select.

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Do you love to read and write? Do you love talking about your favorite characters? Do you wish you had a place to share your stories and get instant feedback? Your wish is granted! Join us during the school year for free monthly writing workshops at the White Oak Library District Lockport Branch. Want to learn more? Email me at kwinters16@sbcglobal.net.

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Native Chicagoan, raised in the suburbs, married to my college sweetheart, Vermont College grad with a Master's in Writing for Children & Young Adults, former journalist, newsletter editor, public relations/marketing consultant, newspaper columnist. Now, an author, writing teacher, writing workshop leader, advocate, and mother of three active girls, two with special needs.

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Surf on over to Edge of the Forest children's literature monthly for the latest book reviews, author interviews and more. My past contributions have included: Day in the Life (interviews with children's book authors about how they work) and What's in Their Backpack (chats with librarians and teachers about what's hot with their young readers).Editor's Note: links to The Forest are currently inactive. Stay tuned for updates on when you can safely return to the realm.